Published on Sat Aug 06 2022 00:52:53 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Creality CR-30: A Deep Dive into the Belt Printer Revolution

The Creality CR-30, also known as the “Belt Printer,” is a unique and innovative 3D printer that stands out from the crowd thanks to its conveyor belt build platform. This design allows for continuous printing of multiple identical parts or incredibly long prints exceeding the conventional Z-axis height limitation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the CR-30, exploring its specifications, offering practical usage tips, and evaluating its performance across key criteria.

What Makes the CR-30 Different?

Unlike Cartesian or Delta 3D printers, the CR-30 utilizes a conveyor belt as its print bed. The printhead is angled at 45 degrees, allowing it to deposit filament onto the moving belt. As the belt advances, the printed object gradually peels away from the belt, enabling potentially infinite printing along the X-axis. This feature makes the CR-30 ideal for small production runs, creating exceptionally long objects, or even experimenting with unique design possibilities.

Detailed Specifications:

• Print Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Build Volume: Technically infinite along the X-axis, limited to 200 mm in Y and 170 mm in Z. Think of it as a tube that can be as long as you need it to be.
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (standard)
• Layer Resolution: 0.1 mm - 0.4 mm
• Printing Speed: Up to 80 mm/s (manufacturer spec, practically more stable around 40-60mm/s)
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Supported Materials: PLA, TPU, PETG (unofficially, other materials may work with modifications)
• Frame Material: Aluminum Extrusion
• Connectivity: SD Card, USB
• Power Supply: 24V, 360W
• Display: 4.3-inch Touchscreen
• Leveling: Manual Bed Leveling
• Firmware: Creality Custom Firmware (based on Marlin)
• Belt Material: Wear-Resistant Nylon
• Machine Size: 535 x 656 x 410 mm
• Weight: 16.5 kg

Usage Tips and Best Practices:

• Belt Tension is Key: Maintaining proper belt tension is crucial for successful prints. Too loose, and the belt will slip, leading to layer shifts. Too tight, and it can put excessive strain on the motor and bearings. Experiment to find the sweet spot.
• Bed Adhesion is Paramount: Due to the angled printing, bed adhesion is even more critical than on traditional printers. Use a raft or brim, especially for intricate or taller prints. Applying glue stick or hairspray to the belt can significantly improve adhesion.
• Orientation Matters: Consider the orientation of your parts. Orient them so that the layers are well-supported by the previous layer. Overhangs are less forgiving on a belt printer due to the continuous movement.
• Slicer Settings Adjustment: Standard slicer profiles will need adjustment. You will need to configure the slicer with the correct bed dimensions (consider the infinite X-axis) and adjust speeds and accelerations accordingly. Many users have found success with Cura and Simplify3D by creating custom printer profiles.
• Automatic Part Removal (APR): The whole point of the belt printer is its automatic part removal. Configure your slicer settings to include a brim or raft and an X-axis offset to ensure the parts fall off of the belt and into a collection container.
• Experiment with Filament: While PLA, TPU and PETG are the main filaments supported, experiment with others at your own risk. Higher temperature filaments will likely require enclosure modifications, which can be quite involved.
• Consider an Enclosure: Although not required for PLA, an enclosure will significantly improve printing performance with materials like ABS or PETG. It can also help to regulate the temperature and reduce warping.
• Manual Leveling is Critical: The CR-30 requires manual bed leveling. Take your time, and level the bed meticulously. The belt needs to be parallel to the print head for optimal print quality.
• Start Slow: Especially when dialing in new materials or complex prints, start with slower print speeds. This allows you to observe the printing process and make adjustments as needed.

Performance Evaluation (Out of 10):

• Print Quality: 7/10 - Capable of good print quality with proper tuning, but not as inherently precise as some higher-end Cartesian printers.
• Build Volume: 8/10 - Technically infinite in the X dimension, opening up possibilities for long prints. The Y and Z limitations are somewhat restrictive.
• Printing Speed: 6/10 - While the specifications indicate up to 80 mm/s, reliability suffers at higher speeds. 40-60 mm/s is a more realistic target.
• Material Compatibility: 6/10 - Best suited for PLA, TPU, and PETG. Requires modifications and experimentation for other materials.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 7/10 - Bed adhesion is paramount. Manual leveling can be finicky, requiring careful attention.
• Reliability: 6/10 - Requires more frequent maintenance and adjustments compared to simpler printers. Belt tension and adhesion can be points of failure.
• Ease of Use: 5/10 - The CR-30 has a steeper learning curve due to its unique design and the need for customized slicer settings.
• Firmware and Software: 6/10 - The Creality firmware is functional but basic. Third-party firmware and custom slicer profiles improve the experience.
• Connectivity Options: 6/10 - Standard SD card and USB connectivity are adequate but lack advanced features like Wi-Fi.
• Build Quality & Durability: 7/10 - Aluminum frame provides a solid foundation, but some components are prone to wear and tear.
• Noise Level: 7/10 - Moderate noise level, comparable to other FDM printers.
• Maintenance Requirements: 6/10 - Requires more frequent maintenance due to the belt and the need for careful leveling.
• Customer Support: 5/10 - Creality’s customer support can be inconsistent. Online communities offer better support.
• Upgradeability: 7/10 - There are many potential upgrades, including belt material, hot end, and firmware modifications.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 7/10 - A good value proposition considering its unique continuous printing capability, but requires more effort to achieve optimal results.

Overall Average Score: 6.5/10

Conclusion:

The Creality CR-30 is a unique and fascinating 3D printer that offers the exciting possibility of continuous printing. While it requires more attention and tinkering compared to traditional printers, its ability to produce exceptionally long parts or automate small production runs makes it a valuable tool for specific applications. If you’re willing to invest the time and effort to learn its nuances, the CR-30 can open up a world of creative possibilities.

Written by Alex